All About the Japanese Particles Wa and Ga (original) (raw)

Key Takeaways

• 'Wa' marks the topic of a sentence, often something familiar or previously mentioned.
• 'Ga' marks the subject, especially when introducing new information or emphasizing it in a sentence.
• 'Wa' shows contrast, while 'ga' emphasizes distinctions often tied to question words.

Particles are probably one of the most difficult and confusing aspects of Japanese sentences. Among particles, the question I am often asked is about the use of "wa（は）" and "ga（が）." Wa vs. ga in Japanese seems to make many people confused, but don't be intimidated by them! Let's have a look at the functions of these particles.

Wa Vs. Ga in Japanese

Roughly speaking, "wa" is a topic marker, and "ga" is a subject marker. The topic is often the same as the subject, but not necessary. The topic can be anything that a speaker wants to talk about (It can be an object, location or any other grammatical element). In this sense, it is similar to the English expressions, "As for ~" or "Speaking of ~."

Basic Differences Between Wa vs. Ga in Japanese

"Wa" is used to mark something that has already been introduced into the conversation, or is familiar with both a speaker and a listener. (proper nouns, genetic names etc.) "Ga" is used when a situation or happening is just noticed or newly introduced. See the following example.

Mukashi mukashi, ojii-san ga sunde imashita. Ojii-san wa totemo shinsetsu deshita.

昔々、おじいさんが住んでいました。おじいさんはとても親切でした。

Once upon a time, there lived an old man. He was very kind.

In the first sentence, "ojii-san" is introduced for the first time. It is the subject, not the topic. The second sentence describes about "ojii-san" that is previously mentioned. "Ojii-san" is now the topic, and is marked with "wa" instead of "ga."

Wa as Contrast

Besides being a topic marker, "wa" is used to show contrast or to emphasize the subject.

• Biiru wa nomimasu ga, wain wa nomimasen.
• ビールは飲みますが、ワインは飲みません。
• I drink beer, but I don't drink wine.

The thing being contrasted may or may not stated, but with this usage, the contrast is implied.

• Ano hon wa yomimasen deshita.
• あの本は読みませんでした。
• I didn't read that book (though I read this one).

Particles such as "ni（に）," "de（で）," "kara（から）" and "made（まで）" can be combined with "wa" (double particles) to show contrast.

Whether "wa" indicates a topic or a contrast, it depends on the context or the intonation.

Ga With Question Words

When a question word such as "who" and "what" is the subject of a sentence, it is always followed by "ga," never by "wa." To answer the question, it also has to be followed by "ga."

Ga as Emphasis

"Ga" is used for emphasis, to distinguish a person or thing from all others. If a topic is marked with "wa," the comment is the most important part of the sentence. On the other hand, if a subject is marked with "ga," the subject is the most important part of the sentence. In English, these differences are sometimes expressed in tone of voice. Compare these sentences.

Ga in a Special Circumstance

The object of the sentence is usually marked by the particle "o," but some verbs and adjectives (expressing like/dislike, desire, potential, necessity, fear, envy etc.) take "ga" instead of "o."

Ga in Subordinate Clauses

The subject of a subordinate clause normally takes "ga" to show that the subjects of the subordinate and main clauses are different.

• Watashi wa Mika ga kekkon shita koto o shiranakatta.
• 私は美香が結婚した ことを知らなかった。
• I didn't know that Mika got married.

Review

Now let's review the rules about "wa" vs. "ga" in Japanese.

Where Do I Begin?